On Chicago’s west side, an abandoned railway has been given new life. The 606 is a 2.7-mile elevated park and trail built on a former industrial train line. The popular walk now includes a series of street-level parks, picturesque lookout locations, an observatory, and public artworks.
The Bloomingdale path, as it is officially known, draws its name from the prevalent numbers in Chicago’s west side zip codes. The gorgeous road connects four of Chicago’s hippest neighbourhoods — Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park — and is a popular destination for local walkers, runners, bikers, and families. As part of the city’s bike-share scheme, bikes can be rented from neighbouring Divvy stations.
Aside from special events and programs held throughout the year, such as community bonfires and exercises, as well as public art openings and astronomy evenings, a few places along The 606 not to miss include:
Observatory Exelon
This is the ideal location for beautiful sunset views of the city. The 606 (1801 N. Ridgeway Ave., Logan Square) also conducts regular astronomy nights.
Park Julia de Burgos
Children enjoy this half-acre park. It includes a climbing web, spider sculpture, and a long sitting wall adorned with natural motifs, all of which were produced by neighbours as part of a series of workshops sponsored by the Chicago Public Art Group. The park is one of several entrances to The 606. 1801 N. Albany Ave., Humboldt Park
Damen Arts Center
This open space hosts rotating public art exhibits, making it one of the city’s most distinctive urban art spaces. Bucktown Park No. 567, Damen & Bloomingdale
This small park is most known for Jeff Zimmermann’s ConAgra Brands Mural. The massive painting, which graces the side of Ipsento 606, features a mosaic of gorgeous faces and nature-inspired patterns. The park hosts special activities throughout the summer, ranging from astronomy nights to live music. Bucktown, 1801 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Park Walsh
Walsh Park is ideal for outdoor sports, including an athletic field, basketball hoops, a playground, and a play area for four-legged companions. Wicker Park, 1722 N. Ashland Ave. Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio is the best place to visit and get an opportunity to take the design concepts. Essential Home Health is providing home health care for patients in Chicago. You can contact them at 847-813-6301.